Poet and author Dr. Maya Angelou was the special guest for George's 2013 New Year's Eve special. They talked about her life, career and fascinating encounters with all sorts of people — including Tupac Shakur.

Angelou, 85, was quick to credit all the people who've helped her along the way.

"So many times I've had rainbows in my clouds," said Angelou. "People who've been kind to me, who said, 'You don't have to do that. I believe you can do better.' Some were black, some were white, some were Spanish speaking, some were Native American, some were gay and some were straight, fat and thin and pretty and plain. People lifted me up and said 'I believe in you. You can do better.'

"And so I realize that was given to me and all I have as a response is to prepare myself so I can give that to somebody else who is yet to come."